Monthly Archives: September 2014

As you will recall last week I mentioned Local Cloud and the benefits it can give you. This week I will talk about 2 other Local Options that could be beneficial to you including NAS Boxes which I briefly mentioned last week.

NAS Boxes (Network attached storage) are file-level computer data storage servers connected to a computer network providing data access to all users of the network. If used on a home network, family members, housemates or anyone with authorised permission can share files, look at photos, watch videos using the same storage device. They can also vary in size, have their own operating system and even be a mini computer. As NAS boxes can be mini computers they also come in various specifications with the processing power and the RAM defining how many users and applications can access the data on the NAS at the same time.

You can also access your data 24×7 from any device without incurring further costs. This also means that you now have all your music, movies, photos and more available whenever you need it. As your NAS is a private server there is a lot less chance of it being breached. Some NAS systems can also offer “snapshot” technology to protect the data against corruption or unintended deletion by regularly taking an image or backup of the data.

The second option I will mention is DataLocker Encrypted portable external hard disks which I saw recently at the Dell Solutions Tour. These portable external hard disks are very unique in that they offer security that is virtually impossible to breach. They come in various specifications but what comes as standard is its innovative, patented touch screen display, which allows the user to enter their password directly on the device eliminating the threat of a compromised host system. The touch screen also ensures that encryption and management of the DataLocker is performed on the device, and not on any host computer, eliminating the need for any software or drivers. You can also setup the number of attempts a user is allowed to enter a password resulting in all data on the DataLocker being wiped if the correct password is not entered.

Another option you can have is the ability to read RFID (Radio frequency identification) cards. RFID cards are the swipe cards used by employees to enter buildings. By having to use your company swipe card and also enter a password you are 99% guaranteeing that any data stored is secure with two step verification. The DataLocker disks also come in various disk sizes and there is even an SSD (Solid State Drive) version which is faster than conventional hard disks and also a lot less likely to break down.

If the local cloud is not for you or your business then the cloud maybe a worthwhile option. Next week I will talk about the benefits of using it and how you can make it more secure.